Smith and Wesson CSX E Series 3.6: First Impressions

Today, I’m sharing my first look at the Smith and Wesson CSX E Series 3.6-inch. This is not a deep dive or torture test, just my honest initial thoughts based on the first 100 rounds through it.

Quick Unboxing of the S&W CSX E Series 3.6

Out of the box, here’s what you get:

• A 17-round magazine with a sleeve

• A 15-round magazine with a sleeve

• A flush-fit 12-round magazine

• An extra backstrap

• Spacer and hardware

• A lock and punch

• And of course, the CSX pistol

Right off the bat, the gun rattles. Not something I expected before firing a single round. I’ve got mixed feelings already, but I wanted to get it to the range and see how it handled before jumping to conclusions.

First Shots and Early Impressions

I loaded up the mags and started shooting. My first thought was simple, but something felt off. The safety is easy to disengage but harder to set with one hand. I had some trouble finding a comfortable spot for my trigger finger. Maybe a different backstrap would help, but it just did not feel natural out of the box.

The reset caught me off guard. It is snappy. This gun is not what I would call soft shooting. I am not complaining, but it lets you know it is there. After a few more shots, I still could not figure out who this gun is really for.

Jack asked if it could be decocked (it can). It also has ambidextrous controls, which I appreciate as a lefty. But after decocking it once, the slide pinched my finger pretty good. That did not help the overall impression.

Handling and Fit Issues

The safety ride is where things went sideways for me. When I gripped the gun and rode the safety like I usually do, I got pinched again. That happened a couple of times. I know I’m left-handed, so that may not be the case for everyone. But for me, that was a big deal.

There’s also the feel of the trigger. It just does not index well for me. The angle, the way my finger sits, it all feels just a little off. The backstrap might help adjust that, but I have my doubts.

Comparing the CSX E Series to the Shield Plus

Now here’s where it gets interesting. I brought out a Shield Plus with a 3.1 inch barrel to compare. Even though the CSX has a 3.6 inch barrel, the Shield Plus feels like a much better shooting gun.

The Shield’s 13 round mag is a bit longer, but it gives you more capacity with what I feel is a better grip and better control. If you really want 15 rounds, you can throw in the extended mag and you’re still about the same size as the CSX.

There’s no rail on either, but that is not a dealbreaker for me.

Side by Side with Other Compacts

I also pulled out a metal frame compact that I have run before. That one also has a 3.6-inch barrel, and in my opinion, it outshoots the CSX all day. With a 15-round mag, it gives you more capacity and smoother shooting in a slightly larger grip.

So I was left wondering where the CSX fits in?

If you want a small all-metal pistol, sure, I guess that is the market. But if Smith and Wesson made a Shield Plus with a metal grip, I would be all in on that. This version of the CSX just feels stuck in the middle. Not big enough to be smooth, not small enough to justify the trade-offs.

Left-Handed Notes and Range Follow-Up

As a lefty, I noticed the safety assembly on the right side is different than the left. On the right, the design rides higher and flatter, and my thumb sat right in that space. That is what caused the pinching earlier. Probably not an issue for right-handed folks, but worth noting.

After all that, I loaded up the Shield Plus and ran a few rounds through it. No contest. I like the Shield Plus more. It fits better, shoots better, and does not bite my hand.

Final Thoughts on the S&W CSX E Series 3.6

I do not hate the CSX. But I don’t get it either.

It is not a bad gun, and I know there are folks out there who want a compact metal frame carry option. But for me, if I am picking a compact carry gun, I am going with the Shield Plus every time.

The CSX is not terrible. I just do not see where it shines.

Want to See It in Action?

If you want to see how the Smith and Wesson CSX E Series 3.6 performs during its first 100 rounds, check out the full video below.